Blues Storm home at Brindisi Street
Rd 16 matches don’t get much bigger than this. Following the loss the previous weeks loss, the Blues had slid down the ladder into relegation territory. The Blues headed to Brindisi Street to face an equally desperate St. Bedes who themselves were in a must win match. A few important ins following the break, including Jeremy Mugavin playing his 150th game of the Club meant the Blues made the trek with confidence.
Seniors
St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 3.5-23 4.8-32 7.13-55 9.15-69
University Blues 2.3-15 8.7-55 9.7-61 14.10-94
After an even start with both teams hitting in on the small ground, the Blues got their game going and kicked the first 2 goals through Williams and Geappen. The growing Blues contingent who made the drive down Beach Rd felt the Blues should have made more of their advantage and this proved to be correct. St. Bedes kicked the next 3 to take a 9 point lead into the first change.
After a few choice words from the coaches at the break, the Blues played one of their better quarters for the season. The Blues seemed to come to terms with the tight confines of Brindisi Street and a run of goals to D.Batarilo, James and Quinn (x2) meant the Blues pulled away. Ayce Cordy was continuing on with his dominant year with another mark and goal and Williams matched him with another. A late Bedes goal meant the Blues had a well deserved 23 point lead at the long break.
St.Bedes are never out of the game on their home deck and with a vocal crowd behind them they roared back into the match. Despite a K.Harper special, the lead continued to whittle down as the Blues struggled with the pressure being applied to them. Lappin and Taylor once again stood out, however two time on goals to St.Bedes meant the siren couldn’t come soon enough. We took a one goal lead to the last break.
Stakes don’t get much higher in a final term and the efforts of both teams in slippery conditions demonstrated this. However, it were Bedes cleaner earlier in the quarter and with 2 early goals they skipped out to a 9 point lead mid term. With the lights on and a massive storm hitting the ground, the Blues season looked as bleak as the conditions at the 14 minute mark.
Enter Ross Young with a running snap followed by a centre clearance that entered with a Batarilo major and the Blues were back in front by the 15 minute mark. With the hail starting, the Blues somehow managed clean possession and the gale blowing to the far pocket certainly helped with some massive bombs taking much needed territory. With momentum and confidence the Blues nailed 3 more in quick time to get the points when it looked unlikely at times.
With 2 matches remaining, the Top 4 can still be reached (depending on other results) and at least one win is needed to guarantee Premier section football next year. The Blues face an Old Melbournians in a match with plenty riding on it for both teams next week.
Reserves
St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 0.2-2 3.4-22 4.6-30 6.9-45
University Blues 6.2-38 7.4-46 10.7-67 13.7-85
Thirds
St Kevins OB Green 3.2-20 6.6-42 10.9-69 19.16-130
University Blues 2.1-13 2.1-13 2.1-13 2.2-14
Under 19’s
Old Carey 3.3-21 4.6-30 7.7-49 10.8-68
University Blues 3.0-18 6.3-39 11.5-71 15.10-100
The Under 19’s destiny is in their own hands. A hard fought win vs. Old Carey has kept the 6th placed Blues in the 3-horse race for 4th position. The first half was a tight affair however the Blues put the foot down and charged to victory. Sam Allen kicked an impressive 5 goals while ruck man Charlie King was BOG. The last round fixture sees the Blues take on Collegians at Harry Trott Oval. A win plus favourable results across the league could see the Blues sneak in and earn a deserved finals place.
CMON YOU BLUES
